Page 103 of A Perfect Match
His response comes quickly.
KRU: I can’t tonight, but will see you ASAP.I miss you.
His answer stings, even though it’s probably legitimate.I want to know more, but I’m also a little scared it’s because he’s on his way to Columbus.I don’t feel ready to confront that yet.Mom must see something in my expression because she pats my arm.
"Give him time, honey.Sometimes the best gifts take a while to unwrap."
"What do you mean?"I ask, studying her face."Is he planning something?”
She just gives me the same mysterious smile she's been wearing since she woke up from the coma, then leans in and kisses my cheek.
Monday morning arrives crisp and clear.For the first time in a while, I'm not running on pure caffeine and determination.
The spa day worked its magic—my shoulders don't ache, my mind feels clear.I am ready to run myself into the ground again.
No, wait.I’m supposed to be taking better care of myself.I’ll figure that out as I go, I suppose.
Once I’m dressed and ready for the day, I pop my head out the back door, temping the air.It’s pretty chilly, but still biking weather.I’m out the door and cruising up to Cloud Nine by seven.Jerrica is scheduled to open again for me today so I can focus on Barny.
As soon as I pull into the lot, I pump my brakes and stop short.There are vehicles in the parking lot.Plural.All parked and gathered near the barn.
My stomach dips.I didn’t have anything planned for today other than visiting the barn and taking in all my progress.I don’t think it’s customary for construction companies to come unbidden for a quote, either.
So what the hell is going on over there?
My heart starts thumping as I pedal over.I park my bike next to an unfamiliar silver truck.And that’s when I notice averyfamiliarblack truck a few cars down.Next to Griffin’s black sedan.
The barn doors are closed, but deep, male voices are spilling out.I slide the big door open, completely unprepared for what I see inside.
Kru is there, sleeves rolled up, conferring with another man while holding unfurled blueprints.Griffin is carrying lumber with Dane.Asher and Jett are clearing debris from one corner.A few other men I don’t recognize are walking around the barn taking measurements.And then I realize who’s standing at Kru’s side—Hazel’s husband, Grayson Daly.
They all turn when they hear the door rattle open.
"There she is," Kru says, his smile soft and warm."Honestly I was worried we wouldn’t make it here before you this morning."
"What…what is this?"I manage to ask.
Grayson steps forward, hand extended."Hey there, Piper.Long time no see.Kru called me yesterday, said you had a vision that needed some professional input."
I shake his hand numbly, looking around at my brothers, who are all watching me with expressions I can't quite read.
"I don't understand," I say.“You guys don’t want me to be doing this.”
"Your boyfriend here laid it out pretty clearly," Asher says, leaning against a support beam."You've got a solid business plan, you're willing to put in the work, and we've been idiots for not supporting you or listening to you from the beginning."
“You’re awesome, Piper,” Jett adds.“We shouldn’t have needed a near stranger to make us really see you.”
"And as I saw with my own two eyes, you've been killing yourself trying to do this alone," Griffin adds."Which stops today."
"But I don't have the money yet for a full crew—"
"Friends and family discount," Grayson interrupts with a grin."Plus, you've got plenty of free labor right here."He gestures to my brothers."If you’re willing for the project to take a tad longer, we can make this happen really affordably, especially with your brothers stepping up.I’ll be able to fit this project into the margins of my current schedule.Kru walked me through your Pinterest boards this morning and he gave me all the outlines and blueprints you’ve drawn up.Your vision is incredible, Piper.Let's make it happen."
I look at Kru, who's watching me with an expression so tender it makes my chest ache.
"You did this," I whisper.
"Youdid this," he corrects."I just made some phone calls."
